Angolan writer and journalist Israel Campos has been announced as the winner of the 2nd edition of the National Press Literature Prize-Casa da Moeda/Angola for his acclaimed collection of short stories, Baloiço de Memória.
Campos’s work was selected from a competitive pool of entries for its unique storytelling and depth of exploration into themes of memory, identity, and inner conflict. The distinguished jury, comprising celebrated figures like Aníbal João Ribeiro, Ondjaki, and Jorge Reis-Sá, praised the collection for its originality and profound reflections on family dynamics, societal constructs, and historical underpinnings.
Established to honor unpublished prose by Angolan citizens or residents living in the country for at least five years, the prize celebrates the richness of Angola’s literary tradition. In addition to a €5,000 cash award, Campos’s winning collection will be published by the National Press.
Israel Campos, born in Luanda on March 5, 2000, has been a rising star in Angola’s literary and journalistic landscape. His career began at just 12 years old as a radio announcer for Rádio Nacional de Angola’s children’s programming. A passionate scholar, he pursued a degree in Journalism at the University of London, followed by a master’s in Strategic Communication and Leadership at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa.
The author’s literary repertoire includes the critically acclaimed novel E o Céu Mudou de Cor, which cemented his place as one of Angola’s most promising contemporary writers. In May 2024, Campos was awarded the inaugural Press Freedom Award by the Angolan Journalists Union for his investigative article, Viúvas da Seca (Widows of the Drought), a piece that underscores his journalistic excellence.
Beyond literature, Campos is an accomplished freelance journalist who has contributed to international platforms like BBC, VOA, Al Jazeera, and The Wall Street Journal.
Reacting to the recognition, Campos shared his gratitude, saying:
“It’s exciting to be recognized for work that primarily serves to deal with our frustrations, dreams, and idealisms.”
The competition also gave an honorable mention to Angolan author, Fábio Kintosh for his notable work, Happiness is like a Cockroach in the Kitchen, highlighting the creativity in Angola’s literary scene.
Congratulations to Israel Campos on this well-deserved award!
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
